SLS South Beach Miami - Philippe Starck Hotel

For the launch of the much-anticipated SLS Hotel in South Beach, the news — from celeb-designers to top-notch chefs, just keeps rolling out. The lavish Beverly Hills import is not only in the hands of world-renowned architect Philippe Starck — who’s the brains behind the “dream world” theme — but it was recently announced that he has help from Lenny Kravitz. This isn't a first for the musician/actor; he had a hand in the Florida Room at The Delano (RIP). Kravitz will design the penthouse and one of the ten poolside cabanas, but the rest of the hotel is rendered with the imaginative and bizarre lens of Starck. There are rooms channeling the ghost of Madame de Pompadour, a bar with a giant bullhead, and a lobby with vintage camping trip
images on the walls. The quirky interior is certain to be a major draw.

But let’s get to the part that those of us who actually live in Miami and sleep in our far inferior beds will get a taste of: the food. Chef Jose Andres is making his long-anticipated debut in Miami. Credited as the man who brought the small plate phenomenon to American foodies, he teaches a course in culinary physics at Harvard and, perhaps more importantly, was tapped by Gaga to cook for her "Born This Way" Tour. As for the design, The Bazaar by Jose Andres will be an “out-of-focus memory of the charming dining room of your grandmother who loved art. Art was everything and everywhere. She loved only one color: acid yellow.” The playful interplay between Starck and Andres seems to be the restaurant's center. In fact, Starck seems to be having fun all over the SLS, calling new club Hyde Beach a "sexy hell" and including custom pink-detailed vanities in each room. Sounds like the best hallucination ever. See you there at the end of May?

Photos: Courtesy of Harrison & Shriftman